Foster care questions and answers

Explore answers to common foster care questions, including who can foster, what you need to become a foster carer and how fostering may affect your work, family and everyday life. You can also learn more about becoming a foster carer or contact our team to discuss your circumstances.

What is fostering?

Who can become a foster carer?

Do I need any experience to become a foster carer?

Why do children come in to foster care?

Fostering siblings

Support young parents

Fostering teenagers

Fully inclusive agency

Am I too old to become a foster carer?

Can I foster if I have children living at home?

Can I foster if I’m gay?

Can I foster if I’m not married?

Can I foster if I’m single?

Do I need to give up work to become a foster carer?

Do I need to be able to speak and write English?

Do I have to own my home to become a foster carer?

Do I need a spare bedroom to become a foster carer?

How does fostering differ from adoption?

I can’t drive, can I foster?

I have a criminal record, does that mean I can’t foster?

SEE ALL FAQS